Vernicka Sales, Tracie Payne and Nomathemba Armstrong show off their hats at the Texas Spring Cypress chapter of The Links annual gala at the Houston Polo Club on Oct. 14. The gala raised money for scholarships for six high school seniors in the Acres Homes area. less

Vernicka Sales, Tracie Payne and Nomathemba Armstrong show off their hats at the Texas Spring Cypress chapter of The Links annual gala at the Houston Polo Club on Oct. 14. The gala raised money for ... more

Houston Texan Bryan Braman poses with fans at the Fashion Houston afterparty in the old Tootsie's space in Highland Village on Nov. 14. The party was sponsored by the Houston Chronicle's new Style section.

Houston Texan Bryan Braman poses with fans at the Fashion Houston afterparty in the old Tootsie's space in Highland Village on Nov. 14. The party was sponsored by the Houston Chronicle's new Style section.

Dr. Suresh Khator and Dr. Renu Khator at the Asia Society Texas Center Tiger Ball on April 12. The event was held the same day as the opening of the society's new building, designed by Yoshio Taniguchi.

Dr. Suresh Khator and Dr. Renu Khator at the Asia Society Texas Center Tiger Ball on April 12. The event was held the same day as the opening of the society's new building, designed by Yoshio Taniguchi.

Lauren Bush and Barbara Bush browse the bazaar before the Resiliency Lunch at the Hotel ZaZa Saturday Oct. 27. Lauren Bush served as keynote speaker for the luncheon, speaking about her humanitarian work.

Lauren Bush and Barbara Bush browse the bazaar before the Resiliency Lunch at the Hotel ZaZa Saturday Oct. 27. Lauren Bush served as keynote speaker for the luncheon, speaking about her humanitarian work.

Vanessa Williams and her mother, Helen Williams, at the Houston Community College Black History Gala. Vanessa Williams was the keynote speaker for the scholarship gala, which helps support deserving students.

Vanessa Williams and her mother, Helen Williams, at the Houston Community College Black History Gala. Vanessa Williams was the keynote speaker for the scholarship gala, which helps support deserving students.

Taylor Shekarabi poses with a Great Pyrenees at the Pet Set Soiree at the Hotel ZaZa on Sept. 28. The party raised money for the all-volunteer organization.

Taylor Shekarabi poses with a Great Pyrenees at the Pet Set Soiree at the Hotel ZaZa on Sept. 28. The party raised money for the all-volunteer organization.

Photo: Dave Rossman, For The Houston Chronicle

Taylor Shekarabi poses with a Great Pyrenees at the Pet Set Soiree... Photo-3875507.53736 - Houston Chronicle

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Jeff Cohen, executive editor of the Houston Chronicle's Editorial page, and Mimi Swartz attend a special screening of "Citizen Hearst: The Story of A Modern Media Company 125 Years in the Making," at the Asia Society Texas Center on Oct. 31. less

Jeff Cohen, executive editor of the Houston Chronicle's Editorial page, and Mimi Swartz attend a special screening of "Citizen Hearst: The Story of A Modern Media Company 125 Years in the Making," at the Asia ... more